2020 Haute Couture masks

Not!
But they are necessary to keep our cooties to ourselves. Yeah, you know when you're talking to some one, you get real excited about the conversation and out of no where that embarrassing drop of spittle projects from your mouth like a torpedo, lands on your buddy's face, and every one tries to pretend it didn't happen.  Well, now a days, that drop really can be a torpedo. We wear masks to protect others not ourselves.  If you're worried about catching it, then you should get yourself an N95 mask.

So during lock down I've gone through several iterations of masks and think I've finally decided on a design I like best.

At first, I went through my stash of fabric and sewing supplies that's been sitting in my closet for decades.  That proved bad, elastic doesn't last forever. I tried ties and nylons, not happy. I finally  settled on new thin elastic cord, stretchy, light weight, and doesn't hurt the ears. The biggest problem is getting it.

Next was the design, cup or pad? 
Pads seem to fit everyone but they tend to have big open gaps on the sides. 
Cups are form fitting, but they need to be fitted to your face and fall forward when you talk.  Just watch the news, people with cup masks constantly adjust them cause they're falling forward. But I've solved that problem with an added head strap to secure it from moving about. All straps are adjustable, just hold the bead and pull the tie.

Washability is also an issue. Quilting cotton wrinkles something fierce, but I still prefer natural fibers against my face. Kinda like underwear, cotton is so much better! So I've been experimenting with different weights and weaves of cotton that doesn't wrinkle too badly after it comes out of the dryer. 

Who'd think there's so much to consider making masks, by the time I get a design to my satisfaction, the pandemic will be over! Hopefully!
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